In a move expected to boost U.S. aviation industry sales to China's fast-growing market, the Federal Aviation Administration opened an office in Shanghai that will aid Chinese manufacturers' efforts to get certification for their aircraft.

The new office initially will mainly support efforts by China's General Administration of Civil Aviation to meet safety standards and gain approval for its domestic jet, the ARJ-21. Civil aviation authorities around the world usually follow the FAA's lead on safety issues, and certification is a crucial step for any new airliner. Working more closely will facilitate ties with many of the U.S. companies that are working with China on the ARJ-21.

The ARJ-21 is part of China's efforts to design and build its own large aircraft, although foreign manufacturers are to supply 40 percent of its components. Current plans call for the engines for the mid-sized jet to come from General Electric Co. The ARJ-21, China's first homegrown jet airliner with a capacity for 70-100 passengers, is due to begin production by the end of the year, with the first test flights scheduled for next March.

Source:佚名